The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of Dexmedetomidine (DEX), on heart rate control in patients with rapid atrial fibrillation (AF) through a pragmatic, randomized, double blinded study comparing the addition of Dex or placebo to standard of care (SOC) treatment.
Dexmedetomidine is a commonly used sedative/anxiolytic agent in the ICU with sympatholytic properties that can cause a decrease in heart rate. Eligible patients will be randomized into one of two groups: SOC plus Dex arm or SOC plus placebo (normal saline) arm. Study drug infusion will be administered at an infusion rate of 1μg/kg/hr via IV, and will not include a loading dose. Four 6-second telemetry rhythm strips will be collected per hour, starting one hour prior to study drug infusion, during the eight hour infusion period, and two hours post infusion cessation). Degree of heart rate control and time to heart rate control for both groups will be analyzed.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
13
Six vials of Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride 100mcg/ml (2ml per vial) will be added to a 250mL bag of normal saline by the investigational pharmacy to prepare for infusion by patient's bedside nurse. Infusion rate will be 1mcg/kg/hr.
0.5% sodium chloride (NaCl). The investigational pharmacy will prepare the normal saline placebo 250mL bag for infusion by patient's bedside nurse. Infusion will be 1mcg/kg/hr.
Stony Brook University Hospital
Stony Brook, New York, United States
Mean Systolic Blood Pressure
Assess mean systolic blood pressure measurements between the two arms
Time frame: During Study Drug Infusion Period
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.